Synthesis Unit

The annual three-day Synthesis Unit is Anacapa’s premier tool for developing critical thinking skills. Each Unit provides students with unique opportunities to explore a topic in depth. Expert speakers make individual 45-minute presentations with plenty of time for questions and answers. After three days of presentations, students create “products” designed to “synthesize” the information learned during the presentations. Individual research papers are submitted, and group presentations are made at a special assembly. Each student earns a grade and academic credit for the unit based on participation, the quality of the research paper, and the group project.

Synthesis Units expose our students to some of the brightest minds and most talented experts from Santa Barbara and beyond. The caliber of the presenters and the give-and-take between speakers and students provide a high-quality educational experience that most students don’t experience until college.